SOLAS Global Advisory 04-APR-2016

An important update from Vanguard Logistics Services.

As we have announced previously, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted a new regulation under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS). This regulation requires Shippers to provide a Verified Gross Mass (VGM) for every packed container as a condition for vessel loading and takes effect on July 1, 2016.

Vanguard has been actively involved in discussions with industry partners and enforcement authorities around the world in order to determine the specific implementation processes and enforcement regimes that are being put in place in adherence to SOLAS requirements.

As part of this process, we are also reviewing a number of options to enable you to submit a VGM to us in a convenient manner. Options will include:

EDI

Web portal

VGM Declaration

In addition, we are reviewing a number of operational options that will allow us to ensure compliance.

In keeping with our 38 year history as a global provider of NVOCC services, it is our objective to make the entire process of obtaining and/or transmitting the VGM as efficient as possible and ensure continuity of service.